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To say that Sherree’s sound is distinctive is an understatement. The Dove Award recipient is a vocal chameleon in whose satiny delivery can be heard through a resume that spans multiple genres, including R&B, rock, jazz, country, and gospel. Her versatility comes from working closely with a veritable Grammy Award winning singers and songwriters—Barbara Streisand to Carlos Santana and from Faith Hill to CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith just to name a few.
Born in Chicago, Sherree Patrice (formerly Sherree Ford-Payne) grew up on the South Side in historic Antioch Baptist Church, under the leadership of pastor and civil rights leader Rev. W.N. Daniel. As a teenager, she joined the acclaimed Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago. Her first recorded solo was the traditional gospel-flavored “The Race,” featured on the choir’s 1992 top-selling album, We Are One.
Armed with God-given talent, training, and a taste of the music business, Sherree moved to California at age eighteen, eager to pursue music full-time. She grasped the industry with both hands, writing songs for Nancy Wilson, recording demos for top producers and songwriters such as Dianne Warren, David Foster, Carole Bayer-Sager and Babyface and touring with Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey.
She sang background vocals for artists such as Whitney Houston, Michael Buble’, Barbara
Streisand, Usher, and Boyz II Men.
Although Sherree was content singing in the background and recording demos, her solo skills kept making room for her as an artist in her own right. A first place win in a talent show hosted by Steve Harvey brought her to the attention of the multi-talented Jamie Foxx, who took her on the road as his opening act. She also impressed Herb Alpert, who in 1994 signed her to his nascent Almo Sounds label and performed on her debut album.
“Anything Is Possible,” was recorded by the contemporary gospel group Anointed and earned her a Dove Award for Best Recorded Urban Song of the Year, Sherree co-wrote two songs and sang backing vocals on the Smooth Jazz Guitarist Norman Brown’s record “Just Chillin’” which earned a Grammy Award for best Contemporary Instrumental Album.